7 senior Cougars ink their letters of intent

LA MARQUE — The fax machine in the La Marque athletics office had its busiest day of the past five years Wednesday morning.

The fact La Marque had electricity this time around was a blessing for athletics secretary Linda Wiles, who worked through a power outage at last year’s bleak and dark signing day.

This year, the Cougars emerged from the darkness as seven football players in the Class of 2012 signed their letters of intent to play in college. La Marque running back Tim Wright’s mother, Tamara McDaniel, gave linebacker Ken Butler a special message before the presentation.

“Don’t be trying to hurt my baby next year,” McDaniel said, jokingly. “That’s going to be a big hit if those two collide.”

Wright, who signed to play with his older brother Antonio at Navarro Junior College, likely will play against Blinn College and Buccaneers freshman Butler in the fall.

Two other La Marque standout receivers talked Wednesday about the possibility of facing each other in college football — Brian Allen signed on to play for Utah and Kendall Hill signed with Oregon State.

Cougars quarterback Emanuell Williams surprised many by signing with Alabama State, defensive back Justin Williams signed with New Mexico Highlands, and Ja’Core Aldridge signed on to play for McMurry.

La Marque basketball player Jessieka Palmer signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play for the University of Houston.

Despite the sudden surge of La Marque football players signing with collegiate programs (up from just two last year), first-year coach Mike Jackson gave all the credit to recruiting coordinator and assistant head coach Pete Gareri.

“He has worked tirelessly around the clock, pushing these kids to have the opportunity to continue playing football beyond La Marque and, more importantly, to get a college education,” Jackson said. “Pete creates a good situation for recruiters when they come, and it helps the kids generate interest.”

Other Cougars will have opportunities to land scholarships at the Feb. 18 college showcase at the Texans’ training facility. Among those still waiting for a scholarship include receiver Dittrich Bunton, who is recovering from a knee injury.